Title

Authors

Publication Date

April 2015

Advisor(s)

Richard Adelstein

Major

College of Social Studies

Language

English (United States)

Abstract

This thesis explores how marijuana came to be prohibited in the United States. It considers the role of user demographics, the power of individual activists and politicians, and the relevance of "facts" to the debate. With a focus on the role of Harry J. Anslinger, Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, it emphasizes the ability of bureaucrats to effect policy change when issues are uncrystallized.

Recommended Citation

Linden, Michael Frederick, "Seeing through the Smoke: The Origins of Marijuana Prohibition in the United States" (2015). Honors Theses - All. 1463.
https://wesscholar.wesleyan.edu/etd_hon_theses/1463